Pursuit of Excellence in Camdenton Public Schools: Remember The National Mathematics Advisory Panel?

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Remember The National Mathematics Advisory Panel?

Here is what some of our country's leading newspapers have to say about the way our kids are being taught their math. I find it troubling that it appears this study was not considered when we took our 3rd and 4th graders head long into Investigations without any supplements. Check out these articles published in 2008. The more I read, the more I question WHY and HOW did this happen to our kids. Keep in mind folks, this information comes from our Department of Education THIS YEAR!

So, for those of you who say..."my kid is doing great, the math seems fine to me.."you had better wake up and read what our government is saying today about this method of teaching. These articles each speak to the findings of the DOE's final report.

Report Urges Changes in Teaching Math - New York Times

A solution to how to teach math: Subtract - USATODAY.com

Panel Urges Schools to Emphasize Core Math Skills - washingtonpost.com

How We Got Here

Harry S. Truman once said...if you cannot convince them, confuse them. Does that ring true for you when it comes to the new math? At this point with our new math curriculum many of us knew something was not quite right. We just could not put our finger on it. We were told how wonderful this "new" math was and how it was working miracles all over the state and our nation. Is it? Well, this site is to explain and educate you on exactly what it is. You will find the truth here. You will find what it is called and what its critics really say about it. You will find that Texas and California will not allow it in their great states. (Good for you Texas and California...if only we would be willing to follow your lead.) You will find that our neighbors in Columbia "kicked it out of their school" also, after several consecutive years of falling test scores. You will find answers to those gut feelings that have been telling you this is wrong. Don't be confused anymore. Be educated. Knowledge is power. Help yourself, so you may help your child. Please look at older posts on the bottom right corner of every page...it will tell you everything you need to know and catch you up on where we have been in this fight and where we are going!

Damage Control

If you want to make sure and REALLY help your child through this here are some helpful hints from one of my new favorite websites: www.pwcteachmathright.com. :

1. Buy flash cards and drill your children on basic age and grade appropriate math facts. Just as children memorize the alphabet they need to commit basic math facts to automatic knowledge. Make it fun, challenge your kids with rewards for correct answers - speed is not critical; you want them to learn the basics without added pressure of time constraints.

2. Teach your children the standard algorithms for addition and subtraction by "stacking" numbers and carrying and borrowing -- the rest of the world uses these most efficient and simple of algorithms; don't buy the Camdenton School's "deeper, conceptual" convoluted algorithm theories.

3. Teach your children (Grade 3) multiplication tables and simple "long" division. Long division is not taught in Investigations...even by 5th grade! It is essential for progression to higher mathematics. Purchase some standard traditional mathematics workbooks and drill the basics. Walmart, K-Mart, school supply stores all stock these.

4. Consider an after school tutoring program to ensure your child doesn't get left behind.

5. Practice, practice, practice - "Investigations" does not provide your children with enough practice in basic computational skills for them to master arithmetic; you will have to make this up at home. 10 problems or so 4-5 days a week will do the trick; once they are proficient they will own the concepts - and have no need for "Investigations" complex strategery...

6. Teach your children what an "algorithm" is. An algorithm is a systematic method of solving a certain kind of problem. Your children must painstakingly explain their work in sentences in "Investigations." Teach them to use standard math algorithms and to write, "Because I used an algorithm," as their explanation...then have them show the fastest most efficient way to solve the problem (which is the standard algorithm).

Pursuit of Excellence in Camdenton Public Schools

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Remember The National Mathematics Advisory Panel?

Read This Very Important Research And Then Contact Your State Officials

How We Got Here

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Damage Control

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